Round of App-paws

Winning poster from Valley Elementary’s second grade poster contest on behalf of the Scioto County Pound.

Dogs can be adopted after their emancipation date, following an application, signed contract, and paid adoption fee.

One of the adorable adoptable faces of the Scioto County Pound.

The words “dog pound” often bring to mind negative associations. Images of abandoned, sickly, and uncared for dogs cramped into small, unkempt cages are the kinds of things we have been programed by movies and television to believe to be true.

Although these conditions may still exist in some places, the Scioto County Dog Pound has pushed away from these stereotypes significantly in the last 15 years.

For almost two decades, the Scioto County Dog Pound has partnered with outside organizations that pull animals from the shelter and work to relocate them. Columbus Humane Society pulls dogs from the pound every week, and places them in the care of rescues all across Ohio so the animal has the best opportunity to find its new forever home. Not only does the Humane Society have a hands on part in the relocating of animals from the Scioto County Pound, they also provide the pound with important vaccines, dewormer, and flea and tick treatments.

When an animal is taken in by the shelter, they are given a 7-in-1 booster, a Bordetella Vaccine for kennel cough, wormer, and flea and tick treatments. Documents are filled out regarding the location where the animal has been picked up, a description of the dog, and any existing conditions regarding temperament, or injury. A stray dog is held for 72 hours before it is available to be adopted or rescued, to give time for the owner to claim it. A dog with tags is required to be held for 14 days before it is up for adoption.

Contrary to popular belief, very few of the animals that end up in the shelter spend much time there before being either adopted or rescued, and even fewer are put down. Animals that find themselves in the shelter are given access to veterinary care, proper vaccinations, and spayed or neutered — preventing further misplaced lives.

“We are still considered a kill shelter, but it is very low volume. We only euthanize animals that have sustained significant injuries, and stand little to no chance of surviving those injuries, extremely aggressive animals, or animals that have paperwork declaring they have bit someone,” said Pam Frowine, shelter administrator.

Since Frowine has been with the Scioto County Dog Pound, she has seen significant changes in the day-to-day operations of the shelter. Records from 1998, Frowine’s second year with the pound, show that in that year 1,288 dogs were picked up, with 403 being dropped off, and 200-300 being brought in from the city. Of those animals, 1,784 were euthanized.

In the last 10 years the shelter has adopted a spay and neuter policy, bringing with it a clear impact in the shelter traffic. Records from last year, 2016, show that the shelter brought in 315 dogs, with 148 dropped off, and 96 brought in from the city. Of those animals 364 were sent to rescues, and only 50 were euthanized.

“We used to have three or four dogs to a cage. The large volume of euthanizations were mainly to free up kennel space. It used to be much different here,” said Frowine.

Rather than allowing stray dogs to roam free, and risking the chance of the animal being struck by a car, or facing a similar fate, the County Dog Warden can be contacted and get the dog on track to receiving medical attention, and on the path to a safe and happy adoption.

Calling the County Dog Warden during regular business hours, or City Health Department for complaints within the city, or the Sheriff or Police for after-hours emergencies, is the right thing to do on behalf of a stray or endangered animal.

After 4 p.m., or noon on Saturdays, the Scioto County Dog Pound recommends housing the animal overnight and calling them first thing the following business day.

“If your dog is missing, always contact us first. You can leave your information with us, and if it does come through we will contact you,” said Frowine.

Frowine also stresses the importance of tagging your pets.

“If a dog comes in with a tag, in less than a minute I can find out where that dog belongs and get on the phone to reunite it with its owner. The dog tag is so important when you’re trying to get your dog back home to you.”

The Scioto County Dog Pound has a low adoption fee of just $72.00 for both dogs and puppies. The fee covers the cost of spay/neuter, vaccinations, and tag/licensing fee.

According to Frowine, all dogs in Scioto County are required by law to be licensed. The pound is funded through this licensing.

“If every person licensed their dog, the pound would be completely self-sufficient,” said Frowine.

After emancipation date, an application and contract can be signed to complete the adoption process. At any given time, the pound houses between 15-30 dogs.

The Scioto County Dog Pound welcomes donations of dog treats, blankets, and towels.

The pound is planning on building an expansion onto the existing office, in order to create a room where dogs and their possible adopters can get better acquiantented with each other, outside of the kennel.

Any cash donations to the pound will go towards the expansion, and the possibility of a brighter future for an adoptable dog.